The Middle East and Africa (MEA) region is rapidly becoming a hub for artificial intelligence combining visionary leadership, strategic policy, and innovative solutions tailored to regional challenges. From advancing national AI strategies to building practical AI applications, these leaders are shaping how AI is adopted and scaled across industries.

Here’s a look at the Top 10 AI Leaders in MEA whose vision and expertise are defining the future of AI in 2026.

1. Nizar Habash - AI & Computational Linguistics Expert (NYU Abu Dhabi)

Dr Nizar Habash is a leading expert in natural language processing and computational linguistics. He focuses on improving AI understanding of Arabic dialects, advancing both research and practical applications across the MEA region.

2. Richard Mathenge - AI Advocate & Ethical Tech Leader (Kenya)

Richard Mathenge champions ethical AI practices and workers’ rights. He leads initiatives that ensure AI development in Africa aligns with global ethical standards and social responsibility.

3. Narrimane Benakcha - AI Policy & Digital Strategy Lead

Narrimane Benakcha shapes digital policy and AI adoption across MEA. Her work bridges industry, policy, and governance, fostering responsible and innovative AI deployment.

4. Fatmah Baothman - CEO & AI Pioneer (Saudi Arabia)

Fatmah Baothman is one of the first women in the region to earn a PhD in AI. As CEO and academic leader, she advances intelligent systems research while advocating for women in STEM and AI.

5. Aseel Addawood - AI & Data Analytics Advisor (Saudi Arabia)

Aseel Addawood drives AI initiatives in energy and technology sectors, integrating AI and data analytics into strategic business decisions and national innovation agendas.

6. Manal Jalloul - Founder & Educator (Lebanon)

Dr Manal Jalloul is a prominent educator and entrepreneur promoting AI literacy. She empowers students and professionals with skills in machine learning, data analytics, and advanced computing.

7. Tejas Mehta - AI Business Leader (UAE)

Tejas Mehta translates AI technology into business value, helping organizations leverage data and analytics for smarter decision-making and operational efficiency.

8. Omar Sultan Al Olama - Government AI Visionary (UAE)

Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, drives national AI strategy and digital transformation initiatives, accelerating AI adoption across public and private sectors.

9. Salem Alelyani - AI & Innovation Manager (Saudi Arabia)

Salem Alelyani integrates machine learning and data science solutions across industries, focusing on practical, impactful AI applications for business and government.

10. Hani Altwaijry - Computer Vision & Machine Learning Researcher (Saudi Arabia)

Dr Hani Altwaijry contributes to advancements in computer vision and deep learning, bridging research and applied AI solutions in the region.

Why These Leaders Matter

These AI leaders are transforming MEA’s technology landscape by:

• Driving strategic AI adoption across government and enterprise sectors
• Advancing research in NLP, computer vision, and analytics
• Promoting ethical AI practices and governance
• Building AI ecosystems through education, mentorship, and entrepreneurship

Their leadership demonstrates that AI in MEA is about more than technology it’s about societal impact, workforce development, and sustainable growth. The MEA region is rapidly emerging as a global AI hub. These leaders exemplify how vision, expertise, and innovation can drive transformative change. By focusing on ethical deployment, research advancement, and inclusive growth, they are shaping a future where AI benefits society, businesses, and economies alike.